Soft wooden flute music hums in the background; leather pouches, jade earrings, and feather headdresses hang from the walls. This does not seem like a likely scenario to be found just minutes from the Destin harbor; but this cultural oasis can be found in Destin by way of David Baxter’s shop, One Feather Native American Jewelry and Art located at 127 Harbor Blvd. Suite 2B.
Baxter moved his art shop from Fort Walton Beach to Destin just over one year ago, but his activism for Native American culture in the area dates back 15 years to the founding of Northwest Florida’s annual Native American Flute Festival; Musical Echoes.
“We started Musical Echoes to educate the community of the Native American culture in the area,” Baxter said. “Now it’s turned into the premiere Native American flute festival in the nation.”
Baxter told The Log that his love for Native American culture stems from his own family heritage.
“My wife’s family is Cherokee and I have Cherokee ancestry,” he said. “This is all to help educate the public and let them hear beautiful cultural music and learn of the heavy Native American culture here in the Northwest Florida area.”
Baxter explained that many are unaware of the rich Native American history of Northwest Florida with the Poarch Creek tribe being the closest living group today. He said that his store, as well as this annual festival are all a way of showcasing the area’s first inhabitants in an open and interactive way to the community.
“There’s not many stores anymore where everything’s made in America,” said Baxter, pointing around his shop that represents more than 40 Native American tribes. “Everything we do boils down to educating. We want to educate the public about their Native ancestors; the first Americans.”
As for the festival, Baxter said this year the line-up of entertainment is first class.
“I’ve got performers from all over the country with one musician, Dr. Michael Brant DeMaria being a three-time Grammy nominee,” he said. “We also have world champion Native American dancers with hoop dancers, traditional dancers and fancy dancers being showcased. There’s no other festival like this anywhere.”
Besides the music and dancing, the three-day festival will also feature free flute lesson workshops, more than 40 Native American craft vendors, copious food booths with both Native American and festival treats, and various activities for the whole family.
“It’s a big family event,” said Baxter. “We have a guy bringing a baby buffalo and a baby bear this year. And of course we have incredible Native American food such as fry-bread and buffalo burgers.”
Wanna Go?
Musical Echoes Native American Flute Festival will be held April 24-26 at The Landing located at
